Fulham hopeful of Greening deal
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is "very hopeful" of signing Albion captain Jonathan Greening despite the apparent impasse between the clubs.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is "very hopeful" of signing Albion captain Jonathan Greening despite the apparent impasse between the clubs.
But he insists the Cottagers will not pay over the odds for the Hawthorns skipper, after they had two bids rejected.
The latest offer of £3.25million was turned down on Monday and Hodgson did not reveal whether Fulham were planning an improved package.
But he said: "I am hopeful. I think the offer we have made to West Bromwich is a very good one.
"We think the player would like to stay in the Premier League and we would like to sign him.
"But it's now a question of Albion accepting an offer that we are capable of making or prepared to make. I am still very hopeful that will be the case.
"I can't update people any further or make any bold statements because he is a West Bromwich player, but he is a player we would very much like to sign.
"We are prepared to pay what we think is a very good price for him."
Albion head coach Roberto Di Matteo revealed there had been no fresh developments on Greening's future, since the rejection of the second Fulham bid three days ago.
The Italian went on the record on the future of Marek Cech, who has again been linked with a move away from the Hawthorns.
The Slovakia international's agent has linked him with Celtic and FC Twente, after a tough first season with the Baggies but the Hawthorns head coach is keen to keep him.
Di Matteo said: "There is no news on Marek. He is our player and we're not looking to sell him at all.
"If I have any news about transfers I will update people."
Albion emerged from last night's 2-0 friendly win at Shrewsbury without any fresh injuries and they could have two injured players back in time for the trip to Walsall on Saturday.
Di Matteo said: "Simon Cox should be involved on Saturday. He is back in training part-time.
"Graham Dorrans is close. He is another one who possibly could be involved on Saturday."
Albion are expected to send a young side to Kidderminster on Friday.
